Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, suggested that outpatient services could be transformed by shifting more checks and follow-ups to community settings or remote consultations.

Mackey emphasized the need for 'big leaps' in healthcare delivery, particularly in simplifying patient interactions and enhancing technology use to improve efficiency in outpatient care.

Dr. Dash called for a comprehensive strategy that balances safety, patient experience, and treatment effectiveness, recognizing that recent focus on safety may have impacted other quality dimensions.

Mackey indicated a shift away from centralized prescription practices and complex approval processes, granting more autonomy to local health leaders.

He highlighted 'neighborhood care' as a key element of the new health plan, emphasizing the need for a well-rounded approach to quality beyond just safety.

Mackey reiterated the importance of improving technological integration during outpatient care to enhance overall patient experience.

Approximately 130 million outpatient appointments are conducted annually in the NHS in England, with a significant number of patients currently waiting for these appointments.

Mackey remarked that the NHS has 'lost its way' regarding the quality of care, pointing to the upcoming health plan focused on quality improvements.

During the NHS ConfedExpo conference, Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, advocated for a complete overhaul of the outpatient care model.

Mackey acknowledged that the NHS has strayed from its commitment to quality care, indicating that the forthcoming 10-year health plan will prioritize improvements in this area.

As of March 2025, approximately 7.42 million treatments were pending for 6.25 million patients, underscoring the urgent need for reform in outpatient services.

Dr. Penny Dash, chairwoman of NHS England, highlighted that many patients are waiting over 18 weeks for outpatient appointments, calling for immediate action to address these delays.